Hip rehabilitation is a program of exercise and physiotherapy that aims to restore hip movement, strength and your ability to walk safely, either after hip surgery or as non-surgical treatment for hip pain. This page outlines the general stages and tips, while the details depend on your case and your surgeon's instructions.
Note: This is general information. Always follow your surgeon and physiotherapist, because some movements may be restricted after certain operations.
When Rehabilitation Is Needed
A doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program in situations such as:
- After hip replacement or other hip surgery
- After a fracture around the hip
- When arthritis causes hip pain and stiffness
- When the hip and pelvic muscles are weak
- Before an operation, in some cases, to improve readiness
Why Rehabilitation Matters
Rehabilitation helps because:
- Muscles weaken quickly when you move less because of pain or surgery
- A joint that is not moved can stiffen
- Balance and walking need to be retrained
- Strengthening protects the joint and makes daily activity safer
Diagnosis
The physiotherapist begins by assessing hip movement, muscle strength, balance and walking, and reviews the surgeon's report. The program is built on this assessment and adjusted as you progress.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Rehabilitation can be the treatment on its own for some hip problems that do not need surgery.
Programs usually include:
- Exercises for joint movement and flexibility
- Strengthening of the hip, thigh and pelvic muscles
- Balance exercises and walking retraining
- Activity changes and avoiding painful movements
- Advice on daily positions such as sitting and sleeping
Surgical treatment
After surgery such as resurfacing or osteotomy, the surgeon gives specific instructions about weight-bearing and allowed movements. Rehabilitation is a key part of the operation's success and is coordinated between the surgeon and the physiotherapist.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery time varies from person to person and is set by the surgeon after assessment. The general stages run like this:
- Controlling pain and swelling with safe early movement
- Walking with an aid as your surgeon directs
- Restoring hip range of motion
- Gradual muscle strengthening
- Balance work and improving the walking pattern
- A gradual return to daily and sporting activities with the surgeon's approval
When to see the doctor
Contact your surgeon or physiotherapist if you notice:
- Pain that grows or does not settle with exercise
- Swelling, redness or warmth around the hip or wound
- A feeling that the joint pops out or is unstable
- New numbness or weakness in the leg
- Leg pain or swelling, which needs prompt assessment